This work is mainly focused on study of thermal and thermomechanical properties of obtained bio-based polyurethane (coded as bio-PU) composites via using different types of bio-components (bio-glycol, modified soybean oil and sisal fiber) in the procedure. The chemical structure, morphology and mechanical properties were also investigated and described in this manuscript in order to know more perfect characterization of produced composites. The bio-based polyurethane matrix of composites was synthesized via prepolymer method. Bio-PU composites were produced by dispersing 5 and 15 mass% of sisal fibers into the polyurethane matrix during their synthesis. To investigate the thermal stability of sisal fibers and bio-PU composites, the thermogravimetric method (TG) was used. Thermomechanical tests were performed by means of dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). Based on the results of thermomechanical analysis, it was found that the sisal fibers amount has the impact on storage and loss modulus. Chemical structure was confirmed by FTIR spectra. Mechanical results and scanning microscopy images of the composites showed good interfacial adhesion between sisal fibers and the bio-based PU matrix.

Polyurethanes are among the most significant types of polymers in development; these materials are used to produce construction products intended for work in various conditions. Nowadays, it is important to develop methods for fire load reduction by using new kinds of additives or monomers containing elements responsible for materials’ fire resistance. Currently, additive antipyrines or reactive flame retardants can be used during polyurethane material processing. The use of additives usually leads to the migration or volatilization of the additive to the surface of the material, which causes the loss of the resistance and aesthetic values of the product. Reactive flame retardants form compounds containing special functional groups that can be chemically bonded with monomers during polymerization, which can prevent volatilization or migration to the surface of the material. In this study, reactive flame retardants are compared. Their impacts on polyurethane flame retardancy, combustion mechanism, and environment are described.

Polyurethanes are among the most developed types of polymers. They are produced from the three primary components, i.e., polyols, low-molecular-weight glycols used as chain extenders, and diisocyanates. Until recently, all these substrates have been obtained via petrochemical processes. A decrease in petroleum-based resources and new ecological trends in chemistry, chemical technology, and materials engineering have generated increasing interest in the utilization of biorenewables for producing polymers. This paper aims to critically comment on the environmental impact of the replacement of petroleum-based components by bio-based chemicals in reference to the polyurethane synthesis.

Effect of plasticizer type on the kraft lignin–natural rubber composite microstructure and selected properties was determined. The composites were prepared with addition of a commonly used naphthenic oil plasticizer to study the decomposition product of polyurethane (glycerolysate) and its characteristics. Kraft lignin powder was incorporated into the natural rubber matrix in amounts of 10 and 40 parts per 100 parts of natural rubber (phr). The reference samples were prepared without any lignin present. The chemical interaction between the filler particles and natural rubber macromolecules was analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and the adhesion was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results of the adhesion measurements confirmed poor distribution of lignin particles into the natural rubber matrix with increasing filler content. Optimal lignin content in the composites was 10 phr in the case of both plasticizers. Moreover, the results of FTIR verified the formation of non-covalent bonds and the need for modification of the filler to enhance the reinforcing effect in the natural rubber matrix. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and mechanical measurements proved that the specimen containing 10 phr of lignin with the use of glycerolysate as plasticizer displayed the highest mechanical performance. It was demonstrated that glycerolysate and naphthenic oil as plasticizing agents showed similar effect on the thermal properties of the prepared composites. Also, the measured mechanical properties, such as tensile strength, hardness, resilience, and abrasiveness confirmed these findings.